World Vision and AIDS 2004 World Conference - Bangkok July 11-16; Leading Christian Humanitarian Organization Mobilizes Church, Christian Community, in Fight Against HIV/AIDS Pandemic.

BANGKOK, Thailand, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. For more than a decade, AIDS has been the single greatest cause of poverty and suffering in many African communities where World Vision works. The 15th International AIDS Conference (IAC), taking place July 11 to 16 in Bangkok, will once again draw the world's attention to the AIDS pandemic. Several World Vision staff members have been influential on the IAC planning committee. Some are plenary speakers, while others are chairing abstract-driven sessions. At least 21 poster presentations will be made by World Vision delegates.

 
  Questions and issues World Vision participants in Bangkok can address: 
 
   Across Africa, churches and faith-based organizations (FOBs) run medical 
   facilities; their members care for people with AIDS, as well as the 
   children left behind.  Yet FBOs were under-represented at the 2002 
   Barcelona IAC; some who attended faced hostility.  Will Bangkok be 
   different?  World Vision is optimistic.  The organizing committee for 
   Bangkok have engaged FBOs in conference planning. 
 
   At least 14 million children -- most of them in Africa -- have been 
   orphaned by AIDS.  These children were all but ignored at Barcelona. 
   World Vision, UNICEF, Save the Children and other child-advocacy groups 
   are…